NordAq Energy Inc. said in a news release that it has completed the ice road and ice pad to support drilling of its Shadura No. 1 exploration well on the Kenai Peninsula and will spud the well tomorrow.

Shadura is on Cook Inlet Region Inc. subsurface in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge northeast of Nikiski.

The company said the well targets historic Cook Inlet gas producing zones.

NordAq will use Glacier Drilling Rig No. 1 to drill the well, which is targeting potential gas horizons in the Upper and Middle Tyonek formation and a total depth of 14,556 feet.

The shallower Beluga formation is a secondary objective, the company said.

AOGCC sets hearing date on offshore regulations

The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has set May 11 as the hearing date on whether changes or additions may be needed to its regulations governing drilling, rig workover and well control in offshore and ultra-extended reach wells in areas of the state under the commissionís jurisdiction.

The commission opened a docket following the Deepwater Horizon explosion in the Gulf of Mexico and said it would hold a public hearing following issuance of the Report to the President from the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling.

The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in the commissionís hearing room at its Anchorage office.

Written comments may also be submitted by May 16.

See stories in Feb. 13 issue, available online to subscribers by 11 a.m., Feb. 11, at www.PetroleumNews.com